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Labor attempts to kill off Royalties for Regions

The McGowan Government has begun the process of stripping Royalties for Regions out of the State Budget by banning the use of the program’s logo.

The McGowan Government has begun the process of stripping Royalties for Regions out of the State Budget by banning the use of the program’s logo.

A directive published on the website of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries states the Royalties for Regions logo “has been discontinued as of 1 July 2017 and should not be used for new projects, and/or new materials for existing projects.”

The order comes as the McGowan Government refuses to commit to the future of a number of Royalties for Regions projects throughout the State.

Nationals Leader Mia Davies said by forbidding the use of the Royalties for Regions logo the new State Government was reducing transparency of where and how much funding would be delivered under the program.

“The decision is a nail in the coffin of the Royalties for Regions program,” Ms Davies said.

“In Opposition, Labor never liked the program and they now resent the affinity that regional Western Australians have with Royalties for Regions.

"The program is a constant reminder that The Nationals, while in Government, put regional WA first, the polar opposite to this Labor Government’s metrocentric approach."

Ms Davies said Metronet made up the lion’s share of Labor’s $5 billion worth of election promises.

"With dwindling revenue streams Labor simply cannot pay for its Perth rail promises within the existing Transport budget. The Treasurer must find the money elsewhere and, unfortunately for country people, elsewhere is Royalties for Regions," she said.

Ms Davies said by failing to acknowledge the source of funding it was easier for the McGowan Government to use Royalties for Regions to pay for projects that should be covered by general government revenue, or reduce the amount delivered.

“We are waiting to see just how transparent the new Government will be in their first Budget,” Ms Davies said.

“Keeping in mind that Labor committed to Royalties for Regions before the election, will the Government live up to their promise? Will they be open and accountable?”